FRIAT 2024

[sneezy24]

Already emailed for clarification, my account now shows shuttle bus tickets for both days!

[Gary]

The notes from the FRIAT forum was sent through today, nothing exciting in there

[James Cutting]

Bought my FRIAT ticket Saturday, wasn't expecting to go this year but managed to do Sat - Mon. With regards to the FRIAT members area, is it up and running now or not just yet as not had a password? Thanks.

[Rich H]

The notes from the FRIAT forum was sent through today, nothing exciting in there

I think the loss of the separate and early entrance for FRIAT members is a blow.

[James Cutting]

That's changed?! No more exclusive entrance? That's crazy.

(I've not seen anything yet so be good to see).

[Red-Eye-Knight]

Bought my FRIAT ticket Saturday, wasn't expecting to go this year but managed to do Sat - Mon. With regards to the FRIAT members area, is it up and running now or not just yet as not had a password? Thanks.

Mine was emailed through to me.

[iainpeden]

The notes from the FRIAT forum was sent through today, nothing exciting in there

I think the loss of the separate and early entrance for FRIAT members is a blow.

The issue seems to be based on the new laws following the Manchester Arena bombing. Apparently it's an issue for the police but DBH appears to be working on it. Hopefully once the police understand that the FRIAT line by passes the queue not security it will be sorted. Could be the straw that breaks the camel's back, in terms of re-joining FRIAT, for me through.

[James Cutting]

Bought my FRIAT ticket Saturday, wasn't expecting to go this year but managed to do Sat - Mon. With regards to the FRIAT members area, is it up and running now or not just yet as not had a password? Thanks.

Mine was emailed through to me.

Cheers will give it a week or two and chase if not yet heard.

[James Cutting]

The notes from the FRIAT forum was sent through today, nothing exciting in there

I think the loss of the separate and early entrance for FRIAT members is a blow.

The issue seems to be based on the new laws following the Manchester Arena bombing. Apparently it's an issue for the police but DBH appears to be working on it. Hopefully once the police understand that the FRIAT line by passes the queue not security it will be sorted. Could be the straw that breaks the camel's back, in terms of re-joining FRIAT, for me through.

Let's hope common sense prevails. 100% bag checks came in last year because of it, but across 5 days going through security, I was only checked 2-3 times.

[James Cutting]

Reading the notes, it doesn't actually seem set in stone yet that this entrance has been lost...at least not yet.

[Supra]

RIAT need more 'hardcore' bag-searchers this year. They should be vetted to ensure they understand a credible threat package & ensure they're NOT seeking an LTR? (Long Term Relationship)
I took all the gear through a regular bag-check & sent my Son through the 'No Bag Line' to sprint to the fence for a prime spot. Despite arriving in the queue at 06:30 I didn't get through until 07:45. Separate Access for FRIAT isn't desirable'...it's ESSENTIAL!

General Entry Experiences
a) Had a guy open & inspect an Ear Pods empty case! (in the "No Bags" line)
b) Guy next to him enquiring...How are you?.. First time here?.... Nice Weather! FFS, just check the bags!
c) Stating... Been hectic this morning (07:40 on Saturday!)
d) Asking.... Oy Mate, give us that scanner when you're done! (Ughh...more handheld scanners imo?)
e)Declaring... Another bag for the one Airport X-Ray machine working. (serving 10 Lines iirc.)

I don't need to have Babies with these people or discuss my Breakfast intake. "Do what you need to do & let's reduce these 300m long Queues!"

[James Cutting]

Agreed Supra! But I suppose us Brits can either be no comments at all, or the best at small talk I saw this comment elsewhere...

The Silver Police Commander with responsibility for the event had direct experience of the Manchester Arena bombing, and so is very focused on security for events like RIAT.

The 100% bag search seemed patchy last year. This was due to the queues – a balance was made flexing the checks between 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% depending on the queue length. If 100% bag checks had been implemented 100% of the time, then queues would have been much longer. This year there will be more signage preparing people for the process whilst they are queuing – tickets ready, bags open etc etc.

Requests were made in the meeting for preferential FRIAT access – earlier access, dedicated lanes, pre screening etc etc. It seems that the issue they have is handling all the “exception access” issues – it’s not just FRIAT Members, it’s vendors, security teams, volunteers, air crew, VIP’s etc all of whom have different requirements. The impression I got was that they wish to simplify this area. The more complex it is, the more the potential risk. They are sympathetic and are considering options.

[Harkins]

I hope they don't simplify things by forcing air crew to join the Blue entrance queue each day to get in. The flying display wouldn't start till about 3pm!

[James Cutting]

[Gary]

Clarification from FRIAT, regarding the daily sheets

Dear FRIAT member,


FRIAT passes are now being posted out, previously we have issued vouchers with the FRIAT pass for the following:


Daily Flying ProgrammeSouvenir Programme (with free gift for Mach3)Mach3 merchandise discount voucher


When the packages changed from the fixed two day Mach1, four day Mach2, six day Mach3 to the flexible any day ticket, we no longer have a need for these vouchers as everyone with a FRIAT ticket is eligible for all of the above.


Daily Flying Programme - this can be collected from the Official RIAT merchandise stand in Park & View East or the FRIAT enclosure. The merchandise team will be briefed that anyone showing a FRIAT pass can collect one of these programmes free of charge


Souvenir Programme- this will only be available for collection from the FRIAT desk in the FRIAT marquee

Discounted RIAT merchandise - the official RIAT merchandise stand within the FRIAT marquee will have the discount automatically applied to all the items they are selling. The official RIAT merchandise stands out on the showground will NOT apply the FRIAT discount so please ensure you make your purchase from the FRIAT enclosure


Over the coming weeks, more information will be issued and put into the members area regarding entrance arrangements on the show days along with 2025 pricing and the booking process.


If you have not already booked transport and need to book car parking or Swindon Shuttle Bus, please email me friat@rafcte.com and I can get this booked for you.


I look forward to seeing you all in July.


Wendy Toms

FRIAT Manager

[iainpeden]

IIRC FRIAT haven’t previously been asked to book parking; definitely not last year and I can’t remember anything said for ‘24 before this email.

[Gary]

Be interesting to see what happens if people still need shuttles bus tickets. With it being sold out.

[Jaymer15]

I haven't received my FRIAT passes yet. I just wanted to see if anyone else was still waiting and it's me being impatient or should I chase it?

[James Cutting]

Personally I'd be chasing it by now. I presume you've had your order confirmation etc, just no e-tickets/physical pass?

[Jaymer15]

I've had to email confirmation and the e-ticket but no physical pass yet.